Volunteer Profile

Rebecca

Mcmullin

Languages:

English

December, 1993

Bio:

I'm an enthusiastic, motivated and ambitious sociology graduate trying to leave my mark on the world! Most people refer to me as being somewhat 'bohemian' and my love for travel and culture triumphs most of my personality traits. The only thing that has always brought me more joy that immersing myself in a completely new place and culture is my passion for helping people. From being young, I have volunteered with disabled children, children with learning difficulties, people living below the poverty line, those struggling with homelessness and more. Working with people is definitely my forte, I can't think of a better pass time than striking up a good conversation and watching a lovely friendship blossom or simply learning something new from a beautiful stranger passing by. I'm adaptable, easy going and adventurous and I love to try new things! Thanks me in a nutshell :)

Volunteering Experience:

(Main ones)
ESL Supervisor/Senior Counsellor
I worked as an English as a second language instructor and a Camp Counsellor in Virginia. My role included teaching and mentoring between 10 and 40 children at a time ranging from 6 to 16 years old. This included a variety of responsibilities such as:
• Planning leisure activities and events both independently and as part of a team such as arts and crafts, performing arts, photography, wilderness camping and sports
• Independently planning, coordinating and teaching the English as a Second Language programme
• Being highly adaptive in a dynamic working environment and acting on initiative to ensure the safety and enjoyment of campers
• Effective communication skills with a vast range of people including both children and parents and non-native English speakers
During my time at camp I also received a ‘counsellor of the week’ award during one of the sessions, and was selected by the camp director and supervisors to be a captain for the largest event during the camp season. This involved leading an entire team of campers and counsellors of around 200 in various activities, events and creative competitions. The team I led won the events with endless praise from the judges.
Volunteer Team Leader: VESL/VESS, South India
I volunteered as an overseas team leader for the charity VESL, recruiting, training and leading a group of 7 volunteers. I trained the team in the UK and then took responsibility for their well being and teaching experiences whilst overseas. My role included:
• Communicating and negotiating in challenging conditions including organising accommodation and school placements with locals, despite the language barrier
• Monitoring the volunteers’ progress and developing their teaching skills whilst on the job
• Using my own initiative to solve problems in an adapting environment quickly and effectively
Unpaid Educational Support Intern: VESL/VESS, South India
I worked as a volunteer teacher in Kerela, South India. I taught English to children aged 5 – 15 and also worked with adults to enhance their confidence with speaking English. My role involved:
• Independently organising, planning and coordinating lessons
• Creating motivational incentives for students
• Completing data reports and tracking progress of students
During this period I also took part in a teacher training programme in which I worked closely with teachers in the community in order to suggest different teaching techniques and behavioural control techniques.

I'm an enthusiastic, motivated and ambitious sociology graduate trying to leave my mark on the world! Most people refer to me as being somewhat 'bohemian' and my love for travel and culture triumphs most of my personality traits. The only thing that has always brought me more joy that immersing myself in a completely new place and culture is my passion for helping people. From being young, I have volunteered with disabled children, children with learning difficulties, people living below the poverty line, those struggling with homelessness and more. Working with people is definitely my forte, I can't think of a better pass time than striking up a good conversation and watching a lovely friendship blossom or simply learning something new from a beautiful stranger passing by. I'm adaptable, easy going and adventurous and I love to try new things! Thanks me in a nutshell :)

Volunteering Experience

(Main ones)

ESL Supervisor/Senior Counsellor
I worked as an English as a second language instructor and a Camp Counsellor in Virginia. My role included teaching and mentoring between 10 and 40 children at a time ranging from 6 to 16 years old. This included a variety of responsibilities such as:
• Planning leisure activities and events both independently and as part of a team such as arts and crafts, performing arts, photography, wilderness camping and sports
• Independently planning, coordinating and teaching the English as a Second Language programme
• Being highly adaptive in a dynamic working environment and acting on initiative to ensure the safety and enjoyment of campers
• Effective communication skills with a vast range of people including both children and parents and non-native English speakers
During my time at camp I also received a ‘counsellor of the week’ award during one of the sessions, and was selected by the camp director and supervisors to be a captain for the largest event during the camp season. This involved leading an entire team of campers and counsellors of around 200 in various activities, events and creative competitions. The team I led won the events with endless praise from the judges.

Volunteer Team Leader: VESL/VESS, South India
I volunteered as an overseas team leader for the charity VESL, recruiting, training and leading a group of 7 volunteers. I trained the team in the UK and then took responsibility for their well being and teaching experiences whilst overseas. My role included:
• Communicating and negotiating in challenging conditions including organising accommodation and school placements with locals, despite the language barrier
• Monitoring the volunteers’ progress and developing their teaching skills whilst on the job
• Using my own initiative to solve problems in an adapting environment quickly and effectively

Unpaid Educational Support Intern: VESL/VESS, South India
I worked as a volunteer teacher in Kerela, South India. I taught English to children aged 5 – 15 and also worked with adults to enhance their confidence with speaking English. My role involved:
• Independently organising, planning and coordinating lessons
• Creating motivational incentives for students
• Completing data reports and tracking progress of students
During this period I also took part in a teacher training programme in which I worked closely with teachers in the community in order to suggest different teaching techniques and behavioural control techniques.